Kuala lumpur: A strategic research collaboration between the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has resulted in the development of two pineapple-based products through an LPNM-funded research and development (RandD) grant.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first product, Biosurfaktan Lestari, is an organic bio-detergent base developed from pineapple waste as an alternative to synthetic surfactants. The project, led by UMT's Prof Dr Fadzilah @ Adibah Abd Majid, took one year to develop and demonstrated stable pH levels, effective cleaning power, and good foaming properties.
Another UMT RandD project, led by Assoc Prof Dr Fauziah Tufail Ahmad, aims to commercialise MD2 pineapple puree as a fruit leather snack under the brand Pinebiotic Pineapple Strip. Made with 90 per cent MD2 pineapple puree, the snack is formulated with natural bromelain enzyme and Lactobacillus brevis probiotic to support digestive health while offering a healthier snack option. The product underwent several development stages, from puree processing and HPLC-based bromelain analysis to probiotic incorporation, drying optimisation, sensory testing, and commercial packaging.
The launch of both products was officiated by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin at Laman Agro Food Nanas, in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), here today. LPNM deputy director-general Linda Buang was also present.
Linda said the project was carried out under the Pineapple Product Research and Innovation Study Programme of the 12th Malaysia Plan, with an allocation of RM4 million for the 2021-2025 period. Speaking to Bernama, she said the high-impact programme aimed to facilitate technology transfer to entrepreneurs through 10 RandD studies and the development of five new products. She said LPNM would continue working with research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to enhance the marketability of local pineapple-based products.